It was Adrian. I didn't know his wolf was black. He had red eyes and black fur, just as I'd read in a book today.

I stared into his eyes for a while. His wolf was so enormous that no one would dare approach him if he shifted.

He took a step toward me, making me realize I'd been staring.

I looked away and turned.

"Let me shift. I want to meet my mate," my wolf, Nancy, said. She only reacted to me when Adrian was near.

I silenced her, saying, "No. He's no longer our mate."

As I walked away, I heard a growl.

Turning, I saw Adrian's wolf approaching.

I froze as he neared, raising a hand to stop him.

"Don't come close. I'm not your mate. We'll break the bond soon."

Saying that was a mistake. He leaped over me, sending me sprawling.

Stunned, I tried to push him away. He began licking my neck where Adrian had left a hickey.

"Leave me," I said.

He ignored me. I was confused—was it Adrian or his wolf in control?

"I hate you, Adrian! Leave me!" I yelled at his wolf.

My voice echoed. He paused, turning his head.

His expression terrified me. I slowly placed my hand on his head. He closed his eyes, nuzzling into my touch.

I understood: Adrian's wolf claimed me as his mate.

He moved away, sitting beside me.

I sat up, looking into his closed eyes. "You shouldn't be fond of me. Our fates are different. But nice to meet you." It wasn't a battle between our wolves, but between Adrian and me. We had wolves who could communicate, feel each other's pain, and so on. But ultimately, the conflict was between us.

When I stood, the wolf's eyes opened, turning cloudy.

I stepped back; Adrian was regaining control.

Had he allowed me to caress his wolf? Why hadn't he controlled him? Didn't he know wolves were sensitive about their mates?

"Don't follow me," I said, knowing it was Adrian.

I turned and walked away, unsure of my direction. I just wanted to escape.

After walking relentlessly, I felt exhausted. The forest was immense; it would be hard to find anyone lost here.

I couldn't even message Damia. I worried about her.

"I shouldn't have come," I muttered angrily.

Then I heard footsteps. Turning, I saw Adrian. He wore black jeans, shirtless.

He must have shifted and dressed.

"Why are you here?" I asked, avoiding his bare chest.

"Same question for you," he replied, approaching.

Embarrassed about petting his wolf, I remained silent and walked on.

"You're lost, aren't you?" he asked.

"You're brutal, Adrian Miller! You posted that fake news, didn't you?" I asked, continuing to walk.

"You haven't answered. But you're right. I did. Want to know why?"

I paused, turning to him with a cold stare. "To humiliate—"

He shook his head, his eyes darkening. "To show your brother my audacity."

I gasped. Why would he demonstrate his audacity to my brother? They barely spoke last time.

"I heard his word is law in your pack. That's good, but he should know not everything goes his way."

I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Fuck off!"

I turned to change my path.

"I know all the paths here," he said.

"Forest guard?" I mocked, without looking at him.

"Think about it. You can't leave. My help won't hurt."

I turned. "Your help? No way, pervert! I haven't forgotten last night. Stay away, or you won't live to see me kill you."

His glare intensified.

I rolled my eyes and walked on. Something brushed my ankle.

"Aah!"

A thorn pierced my ankle. I yanked it out, hissing in pain.

As I put my foot down, I was lifted into the air.

"What the hell!"

Adrian held me, beginning to carry me.

"Looks like I have to help the mother like I helped her daughter."

The text still contains some minor inconsistencies and stylistic choices, but it's significantly cleaner and more readable. The bonus section was unclear and added as-is, as it wasn't clear what "BONUT" should be.